actuate

1 to cause to function a light actuated by a motion detector the alarm system actuates the door locks Synonyms of actuate activate, crank (up), drive, move, run, set off, spark, start, touch off, trigger, turn onWords Related to actuate kick over, turn over; charge, electrify, energize, fire, fuel, generate, power, push; discharge, launch, release, switch, trip; reactivate, recharge; arouse, excite, jump-start, kick-start, stimulate, vitalize; ignite, incite, instigate, provoke, quicken, stir up; accelerate, catalyze, speed (up), step upNear Antonyms of actuate arrest, brake, check, cut off, draw up, halt, jam, stall, stick, stop; decelerate, repress, slow, stunt, suppressAntonyms of actuate cut, cut out, deactivate, kill, shut off, turn off

2 to set or keep in motion hearing depends on sound vibrations that actuate the complex mechanism of that sensory organ, the ear Synonyms of actuate move, drive, impel, propel, workWords Related to actuate activate, motivate, provoke; abet, ferment, foment, incite, raise, stir (up), whip (up); set off, trigger, trip; arouse, excite, fire (up), galvanize, inflame (also enflame), inspire, instigate, rouse, stimulateNear Antonyms of actuate bridle, check, constrain, contain, control, curb, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain